A Hay River female has been injured in what is being described as a bear attack in the early morning hours of Oct. 16.
Ross Potter, the director of protective services with the Town of Hay River, confirmed that the attack occurred.
"I can't give you any details other than the fact that the incident happened in the area of Cranberry Crescent," he said, referring to the residential section of the community known as 553.
The town's ambulance was dispatched to the scene at 2:50 a.m.
Potter was limited in what he could say about the incident, including on the injuries suffered by the victim.
"She, I would suggest, is in serious condition," he said.
Plus, he said the victim has medevaced out of Hay River for treatment, although he was unaware if that was to Yellowknife or Edmonton.
Potter said to the best of his knowledge only one person was involved in the incident.
The town official declined to give the woman's age.
Other than that information, Potter said he didn't know the exact circumstances of what happened, although he would consider it a bear attack.
Asked if he had ever heard of a bear attack in Hay River, he replied, "Not against an individual."
Potter called the incident very concerning.
"We haven't even heard anything about bears being around for the last two or three weeks, then all of a sudden there's one out there," he said. "I was under the impression that bears were already gone to start hibernating, but apparently they have not. I'm definitely concerned."
Potter said people need to be aware that bears are still out, and they should use appropriate precautions.
This is a developing story, and will be updated.